Isuzu Motors global boss Masanori Katayama has officially opened a new truck distribution headquarters in Melbourne.
Katayama visited for the ribbon cutting ceremony and was joined by political dignitaries and Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) chief executive Hiroko Yaguchi and director and chief operating officer Phil Taylor at the new Truganina site on May 30.
“Isuzu Australia Limited has an outstanding reputation around the Isuzu world for its commitment to constant improvement and innovative transport solutions.
“In fact, the research and product development work conducted here in Australia is often implemented on a global scale.
“We view Isuzu Australia as a model truck distributor and a great ‘test bed’ for Isuzu product,” Katayama says.
Yaguchi says the new facility will be the “launch-pad for local product innovation, better transport solutions and more advanced aftersales offerings”.
“We are aiming for 30 years market leadership in 2018 and I believe the completion of this facility with help achieve that unprecedented milestone,” she says.
Taylor says the new site streamlines Isuzu operations under one roof with administration, sales, engineering, service, parts and aftersales operations.
“For the first time in the history of this subsidiary in Australia, these pillars of our business model have been brought together as a cohesive unit.
“It provides an environment for enhanced and more immediate collaboration and communication between the various operations of IAL.”
The 21,000 square metre site includes a training centre with a ten-bay workshop, a truck-specific showroom, a parts warehouse, a product development centre, and Isuzu’s engine department.
